ARC Baltic 2019 has begun

A brisk northwesterly wind has hurried the 2019 ARC Baltic boats into the safe embrace of Hohe Düne Marina, on Germany's Baltic coast, start port for the fourth edition of World Cruising Club's Baltic adventure. All fifteen of the yachts taking part in the six week long Baltic cruise, have now arrived at Hohe Düne, a purpose-built marine resort, at the historic fishing port of Warnemünde.

A three-day preparation and social programme, runs from today, though to departure on Tuesday 9 July, and kicks off this evening with a welcome drink beside the marina - a first chance for crews to meet and greet each other. On Sunday crews will get the chance to explore the historic areas of Warnemünde, on a guided walk, followed by a crew dinner at the Panorama Restaurant Riva, overlooking the busy shipping channel into Rostock, a few miles further up river from Warnemünde.

On Monday morning a full rally brief and skippers meeting will be held prior to the fleet's departure on Tuesday afternoon for their overnight sail to Rønne on the Danish island of Bornholm, first stop-over during six weeks of exploration that takes the fleet to Russia and back.